Fresh and engaging

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Kirby's use of touch-screen technology provides a fresh and
engaging game. Players draw rainbow platforms guiding the pink
marshmallow around seven vibrant and varied worlds. Kirby can be
tapped to perform a dash and enemies dazed by prodding, making them
vulnerable to attack. Our hero can copy enemy abilities,
transforming into 11 guises including a fireball, balloon, electric
spark, explosive rocket or spiked assassin.

Youngsters can have a ball because reaching the finishing gate
is not hard. Older players will enjoy exploring the labyrinthine
environments and collecting bonuses. End-of-level mini-games
include a mine-cart race, a Simon-says drawing contest and a
Breakout-style challenge with Kirby destroying blocks after
bouncing off your scribbled paddles.

PS2

Tak: The Great Juju Challenge

THQ, PG, RRP $50, * * * *

Tak's back and he's brought a mate. The pair must complete
challenges using each other's strengths. Solo players can switch
between them to solve rewarding puzzles but teamwork with a friend
is more fun. Lok's abilities include climbing, exploring the ocean
floor in a lobster suit and hurling Tak into the air. Tak can swim,
use magic, throw projectiles and fly. Traditional switch-and-door
obstacles are joined by more creative conundrums, like using
cannons to destroy pillars that turn into bridges for Lok to
cross.

Animals can also provide assistance; for example, players can
ride a rhino through a garden of thorns. Strict time limits seem an
unfair way of extending the game's lifespan but replaying levels as
quickly as possible is surprisingly enjoyable. Variety is bolstered
by demolition derby interludes.

GameCube

Mario Party 6

Nintendo, PG, RRP $100, * * ½

Despite appearances, Nintendo's moustached plumber is a real
party animal. This is his sixth shindig in as many years. But while
most attendees will have fun, Mario needs a new party trick because
his antics are getting old; unfortunately, the addition of a
microphone is not the answer. The voice recognition works OK but
games where you control tanks, launch bombs or guide characters
through mazes would be better controlled with a joypad.

Most of the other 75 mini-games are terrific fun with friends,
including the chance to fly spaceships, snowboard, waterslide, dunk
basketballs, race insects, hurl snowballs, swim, take photos, find
sunken treasure, run from boulders and whack gophers. The biggest
problem is the excessive waiting between contests. Watching
characters roll dice and trudge around the board is also
tedious.